Complaints

• Initial Complaint

  08/01/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I am filling a formal complaint against Donley Ford in Galion, Ohio, for selling me a frame-damaged vehicle (a possible violation of the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act and the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act by not telling us that it sold an unsafe car with frame damage). I purchased a Chevy truck, for $8,500 from them in May 2022, to be used sporadically for hauling. In late February of 2023, it began running poorly (terrible shaking/vibration). Because it was not a daily driver I let it sit for a few months before having it checked by my mechanic in late June 2023. Once it was placed on the lift the damage was apparent - the frame was severely rusted and broken. I then towed it to Donley so they could inspect the situation. They verified it was infact rusted, broken, and undrivable. The damage to the frame is extreme and did not happen during the months of my owning it. My issue is that when I purchased the truck from the Donley dealership, I was told a full safety inspection had been conducted (I have the paperwork stating this); however a rusted frame is unsafe/unfit for the road. Donley is refusing to remedy the situation of the unsafe vehicle they sold me. I was advised to "make a claim with my insurance company". The bottom line is, I was sold an unsafe vehicle. I was assured a safety inspection had been conducted; either Donley's mechanic missed the rusted, broken frame; or someone ignored it, tried to pass it off as acceptable. Either way, Donley Ford took my money and gave me an unfit vehicle, that could have easily ended in much worse scenarios. Thankfully no one was injured or killed due to their negligence of selling an unsafe truck. My truck is currently sitting at Donley Ford awaiting a resolve. I would appreciate an answer as to why I am being treated this way; the truck is clearly unsafe (as recognized by Donley in early July 2023); yet the dealership is unwilling to take any accountability for selling it while unsafe.

  Business response

  08/25/2023

  The customer purchased the vehicle, back in May of 2022. At that time, the complainant's husband was employed by us. He was familiar with the vehicle when he decided to purchase it and had access to our service inspection at that time. When we inspected the truck, around the time of sale, we did not find the frame to be rusted out or damaged. We did not hear about any issue with this until June of 2023, 13 months after they purchased the vehicle. We have looked at the truck, since they brought it back to us, and it's our opinion the frame cracked due to overload, NOT due to any rust or pre-existing issue. The customer purchased the vehicle "AS-IS", with NO WARRANTY, as stated on the Buyers Order and the Buyers Guide. We have tried to find resolution by making them an offer to purchase the truck back at more than market value. 

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